How often do my children need to visit the dentist?

After your child is born, it is recommended that you take them to see a doctor at regular intervals to ensure they are growing, healthy, and happy. But what about dental visits? When should visits to a children’s dentist be scheduled?

As babies don’t have teeth right away, going to the dentist may not immediately be on your radar. However, it is important to remember that your child should see a children’s dentist at regular intervals and that the recommended time for the first visit may be sooner than you realise.

When to make a children’s dentist appointment

You should make the first appointment when your child has their first birthday or about six months after they get their first tooth. There are several reasons why this timing is recommended:

1. Issues with oral health, including teeth, gums, and other areas of the mouth, can happen at any time, especially if your child sleeps with a bottle containing milk or juice.2. Your dentist can advise you on the best way to care for your child’s teeth as they erupt through the gums.3. Introducing your child to the dentist and the dentist’s office and equipment at an early age can help to lessen children’s anxiety about receiving dental care and ensure that they are in a comfortable environment if there are any dental emergencies early in life.

Booking follow up children’s dentist appointments

After the initial visit, aim to make a standard visit every six or twelve months, according to your dentist’s recommendation, so that the health of your child’s teeth can be monitored. These visits will be general checkups; expect x-rays to start when your child is between 4 and 6 years old. Of course, if there are dental emergencies, toothaches, jaw pain, or other issues, then make an appointment right away.

We warmly invite you to book your child in for their next dental appointment and look forward to welcoming your family into our dental practice. Please contact our friendly reception staff to make an appointment today.